Transmission of applications  with content

ABSTRACT

Provided are methods and systems for controlling data such as content and/or application data transmitted to one or more user devices. One method can comprise receiving a request for first content and generating, in response to the request for the first content, a first transport stream comprising the first content and application data relating to a first application. At least a portion of the first transport stream is transmitted to a recipient device. An interruption in the transmission of the first transport stream is detected and a determination is made that only a first portion of the application data has been transmitted to the recipient device. A second transport stream including second content and a second portion of the application data is generated and transmitted.

BACKGROUND

A user device such a digital media player client can receive and rendercontent to a user. Additionally, the user device can request thedownload of various software applications to be executed locally via theuser device. However, the download of such software applications ismanaged independently from the streaming content and is typicallyuser-driven. For example, a user may access an application site, virtualstore, and/or a particular communication channel and may downloadselected application via the same. However, when a user navigates awayfrom the channel, or the like, the download of the selected applicationmay be interrupted.

This disclosure addresses these and other shortcomings related to datadelivery such as content and software applications and the continuity ofsuch data delivery.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, provided are methods and systems for controlling datasuch as content and/or application data transmitted to one or more userdevices. One method can comprise receiving a request for first contentand generating, in response to the request for the first content, afirst transport stream comprising the first content and application datarelating to a first application. At least a portion of the firsttransport stream can be transmitted to a recipient device such as adevice requesting the first content. However, the transmission of thefirst transport stream may be interrupted, for example, due to therecipient device changing channels or requesting different content, orother conditions such as a change in a power mode of the recipientdevice. Such an interruption can be detected and a determination can bemade that only a first portion of the application data has beentransmitted to the recipient device. As such, a determination totransmit the remaining portion of the application data (e.g., a secondportion, portion not yet downloaded, etc.) can be made based uponvarious factors including network conditions, service level, location,usage patterns, usage history, and/or factors that may relate to alikelihood that the end user may interact with the first application iffully downloaded. If it is determined that the remaining portion of theapplication data should be transmitted, a second transport streamincluding second content and a second portion of the application data isgenerated and transmitted.

Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realizedand attained by means of the elements and combinations particularlypointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example network;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example system architecture;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example system architecture;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an example method;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an example method;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an example method; and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example computing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an aspect, application data such as binary application data can beembedded into a transport stream (e.g., Moving Picture Experts Groupstandards such as MPEG-2, MPEG-4, a single MPEG-4 video encapsulated inan MPEG-2 transport stream over UDP MCAST, etc.), including content. Thetransport stream including the content and the application data can betransmitted to a user device such as an IP-enabled device. The transportstream can comprise a multi-program transport stream or a single programtransport stream. The user device receiving the transport stream candecode the transport stream to provide playback of the underlyingcontent and to process the embedded application data. For example, asthe user device is providing playback of the content (e.g., videorendering), the application data can download in the background. Oncethe complete application data has completed download, the user devicecan execute the application via the user device. In the event that theapplication has not completed downloaded, the content delivery providermay choose to re-insert the application data into the next transportstream (relating to second content such as the next viewed program bythe user device). Alternatively, it may be determined to cease downloadof the application data, where the next transport stream would includecontent, but exclude the application data. In the event the user deviceis resource or memory constrained, the user device may remove thedownloaded application data, for example, when the content playback hasbeen stopped or terminated.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a system can be configured to provideservices such as network-related data services. FIG. 1 illustratesvarious aspects of an exemplary environment in which the present methodsand systems can operate. The present disclosure is relevant to systemsand methods for providing services to a user device, for example. Thoseskilled in the on will appreciate that present methods may be used invarious types of networks and systems that employ both digital andanalog equipment. One skilled in the art will appreciate that providedherein is a functional description and that the respective functions canbe performed by software, hardware, or a combination of software andhardware.

The network and system can comprise a user device 102 in communicationwith one or more computing devices 104 a, 104 b such as a server, forexample. The computing devices 104 a, 104 b can be disposed locally orremotely relative to the user device 102. As an example, the user device102 and the computing devices 104 a, 104 b can be in communication via aprivate and/or public network 105 such as the Internet. Other forms ofcommunications can be used such as wired and wireless telecommunicationchannels, for example.

In an aspect, the user device 102 can be an electronic device such as acomputer, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, a set top box, a displaydevice, or other device capable of communicating with the computingdevices 104 a, 104 b. As an example, the user device 102 can comprise acommunication element 106 for providing an interface to a user tointeract with the user device 102 and/or the computing devices 104 a,104 b. The communication element 106 can be any interface for presentinginformation to the user and receiving a user feedback such as anapplication client or a web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, MozillaFirefox, Google Chrome, Safari, or the like). Other software, hardware,and/or interfaces can be used to provide communication between the userand one or more of the user device 102 and the computing devices 104 a,104 b. As an example, the communication element 106 can request or queryvarious files from a local source and/or a remote source. As a furtherexample, the communication element 106 can transmit data to a local orremote device such as the computing devices 104 a, 104 b.

In an aspect, the user device 102 can be associated with a useridentifier or device identifier 108. As an example, the deviceidentifier 108 can be any identifier, token, character, string, or thelike, for differentiating one user or user device (e.g., user device102) from another user or user device. In a further aspect, the deviceidentifier 108 can identify a user or user device as belonging to aparticular class of users or user devices. As a further example, thedevice identifier 108 can comprise information relating to the userdevice such as a manufacturer, a model or type of device, a serviceprovider associated with the user device 102, a state of the user device102, a locator, and/or a label or classifier. Other information can berepresented by the device identifier 108.

In an aspect, the user device 102 can be configured to transmit and/orreceive various signals such as a data signals transmitted via theInternet Protocol (IP) or other protocols. As an example, the signalscan be transmitted and/or received between the user device 102 and thecomputing devices 104 a, 104 b. As an example, the user device 102 cantransmit requests for content to a RTSP, MPEG, SDP, or other streamingserver such as the computing device 104 a. As another example, the userdevice 102 can be configured to receive a content stream 110 such as atransport stream (e.g., in response to the request for content). Thecontent stream 110 can be an MPEG transport stream such as amulti-program transport stream or a single program transport stream. Thecontent stream 110 can be processed (e.g., decoded) by the user device102 to provide playback of the content comprised in the content stream110, for example, via an interface 113 such as a display. As an example,the playback of the content can comprise video playback.

The user device 102 can be configured to receive application data 112such as binary application data. In an aspect, the application data 112can comprise at least a portion of data that, when processed, can forman executable application. Such an application can be executed via theuser device 102. As an example, the application can relate to thecontent received by the user device 102. However, the application can beindependent of the content. As an example, the application data 112required to compile the complete application can be divided intoportions or data chunks. As another example, the application data 112 orportion thereof can be received by the user device 102 via the transportstream used to deliver the content stream 110. As a further example, theapplication data 112 can be delivered to the user device 102 via theMPEG Adaptation field, other data tables, or by identifying when nullpackets exist and replacing null packets with application data aspayload data packets.

As an illustrative example, as the user device 102 provides playback ofcontent from the transport stream, the application data 112 can bedownloaded. Once the complete set of application data 112 has beenreceived by the user device 102, the user device 102 can process theapplication data 112 to execute an application, for example via theinterface 113. Applications could be downloaded that are related to abroadcast network, program topic, user profile, user demographic,service level, advertiser, geographic location, or usage pattern. Anapplication example would be a cooking application related to cookingprogram content. Another application example would be an educationalchildren's application related to a children's television network.Another application example would be a sports application related to asports programming usage pattern. The application can be persistentlystored to the user device 102 and/or may be removed (e.g., based onresource availability of the user device 102). In certain aspects, theapplication can communicate with a server such as an FTP, HTTP, orRestful server (e.g., computing device 104 b) for providing a userexperience to a user of the user device 102.

In an aspect, one or more of the computing devices 104 a, 104 b can be aserver for communicating with the user device 102. As an example, thecomputing devices 104 a, 104 b can communicate with the user device 102for providing services such as streaming cervices and/orapplication-related services. In an aspect, the computing devices 104 a,104 b can allow the user device 102 to interact with remote resourcessuch as data, devices, and files. As an example, the computing devices104 a, 104 b can be configured as central location (e.g., a headend, orprocessing facility), which can receive content (e.g., data, inputprogramming) from multiple sources. The computing devices 104 a, 104 bcan combine content from various sources data sources 118 a, 118 b) andcan distribute the content to user (e.g., subscriber) locations via adistribution system.

In an aspect, one or more of the computing devices 104 a, 104 b canmanage the communication between the user device 102 and a datastore 114for sending and receiving data therebetween. As an example, thedatastore 114 can store a plurality of data sets (e.g., indexes, contentitems, data fragments, location identifiers, relational tables, userdevice identifiers (e.g., identifier 108) or records, network deviceidentifiers (e.g., identifier 118), or other information. As a furtherexample, the user device 102 can request and/or receive (e.g., retrieve)a file from the datastore 114 such as a manifest of one or more locationidentifiers associated with one or more content items. In an aspect, thedatastore 114 can store information for delivery to the user device 102such as the content stream 110 and/or the application data 112. Inanother aspect, a storage medium 115 physically a and/or logicallyremote from one or more of the computing devices 104 a, 104 b can beconfigured to store information such as the content stream 110 and/orthe application data 112.

In an aspect, data from one or more sources (e.g., data sources 118 a,118 b) can be multiplexed via multiplexer 116 to generate a transportstream. The multiplexer 116 can comprise an encoder or transcoder forencoding the source data into the transport stream such as a MPEGtransport stream. The multiplexer 116 can be any device, system,apparatus, or the like to combine, encode, and/or transcode the sourcedata into a transport stream.

In an aspect, multiplexer 116 can receive video content from the datasource 118 a and can receive application data from the data source 118 band can combine the application data with the video content into asingle transport stream for delivery to the user device 102. As anexample, one or more of the data sources 118 a, 118 b can comprise acontent provider for providing one or more of audio content, videocontent, data, news feeds, sports programming, advertisements, and thelike. As another example, one or more of the data sources 118 a, 118 bcan comprise a network data feed transmitting the data stream to userssuch as subscribers or clients. As a further example, one or more of thedata sources 118 a, 118 b an application server store, a source forbinary applications, and/or a firmware source.

As an illustrative example, a user can interact with the user device 102to request first content such as a video program. While watching thevideo program via the user device 102, in the background the user device102 is receiving binary data packets via the transport stream providingthe video program. Once the complete data set comprising the applicationis completely downloaded, the user device 102 can execute theapplication, for example an interactive game that relates to the videoprogram. The application may be persistently stored such that theapplication can be used after the video program has stopped playback.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the computing device 104 a can be configuredas a streaming server such as and RTSP, MPEG, or SDP server, forexample. As such, the user device 102 can transmit requests forparticular content to be accessed by or delivered from the computingdevice 104 a. For illustration, the delivery of different contentstreams is shown as distinct channels between the computing device 104 aand user device 102. However, the channels can be representative innature and can comprise a single communication channel with differentcontent being delivered via the single channel. As shown, the userdevice 102 may request first content, as represented by channel 1. Assuch, the requested first content can be combined with at least aportion of the application data 112 and transmitted to the user device102 via a transport stream. The transport stream can comprise amulti-program transport stream or a single program transport stream. Theuser device 102 receiving the transport stream can decode the transportstream to provide playback of the underlying first content and toprocess the embedded application data. For example, as the user device102 is providing playback of the first content (e.g., video rendering),the application data can download in the background. Once the completeapplication data has completed download, the user device 102 can executethe application via the user device 102, which can intercommunicate withthe computing device 104 b configured as an application server.

While the user device 102 is tuned to channel 1 FIG. 2), the user device102 can make a request for second content, for example, as representedby channel 2 (FIG. 3). Such a request can include tuning or changing thechannel. Alternatively, a user may simply terminate the access tocontent via channel for example, by turning off the user device 102, orinterrupting transmission/reception of content such as by stoppingdownload, playback, recording and the like.

In response to the request for second content or other interruption toreceiving the first content, the computing device 104 a can transmit atransport stream including the requested second content. In the eventthat the application data 112 has not completed downloading before therequest for the second content is processed, the content deliveryprovider, or another entity such as an intervening provider, service,administrator, and the like, may choose to insert the remaining portionof the application data 112 into the next transport stream (relating tothe requested second content such as the next viewed program by the userdevice 102).

In an aspect, a decision element 200 can be configured to determinewhether the remaining portion (e.g., not yet downloaded portion) of theapplication data 112 should be transmitted to the user device 102. Sucha decision can be executed at any time, for example, when the userdevice 102 is powered off, when a new content request istransmitted/received, when the rendered content program has stopped oris interrupted, when a time period has passed, and the like. Thedecision to continue downloading the application data 112 may be basedon predictive analysis. For example, the predictive analysis can includea determination whether the user is likely to return to the base contentin the future, or have other uses for the application. The decision tocontinue downloading the application data 112 can be based on adetermination that the user is likely to return to the first content,for example, via channel 1. The decision to continue downloading theapplication data 112 can be based on a determination whether theapplication to which the application data 112 relates, relates to other,different content the user is likely to watch such as the secondcontent. The decision to continue downloading the application data 112can be based upon at least a determination of whether a user willsubsequently interact with the application, if fully downloaded. Suchdetermination can be based on a determination of user interest,historical usage pattern, user habits/preferences, and the like.

The logic determining the continued downloading of application data 112can be based upon information relating to a network condition,program/content topic, user profile, user demographic, service level,advertiser, geographic location, available bandwidth, or usage pattern.Determining the continued downloading of application data 112 can bebased upon at least a determination of whether a user will subsequentlyrequest transmission of the first transport stream, a determination ofwhether a user will subsequently interact with the first application,and/or at least a determination of user interest in the applicationrelating to the application data 112.

Partial application data downloads can be saved for completion orremoved from the end user device. End users can be prompted for input onwhether to continue an interrupted download, whether to execute acompleted download, whether to begin a download, or whether to delete apartial or complete application download. Application download prioritycan be employed to determine which application should download ifmultiple application download options exist. Default parameters can beset that define what application download rules applied to the end userdevice. As an example, the application data can be multicast to anentire population or unicast to a single end user; application data canbe inserted in transport streams delivered to many users or a singleuser. The application data insertion can continue as the usersubsequently changes video content selections, requests, and/or tuning.

Continued delivery of the application may be accomplished by packagingthe application with different content—e.g., the content being deliveredon the new channel to which the user navigated. Continued delivery ofthe application content may occur with content not related to theapplication. If the decision element 200 determines to cease download ofthe application data, the next transport stream would include content,but would exclude the application data. In the event the user device 102is resource or memory constrained, the user device may remove thedownloaded application data, for example, when the content playback hasbeen stopped or terminated.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example method. In step 402, a first portion ofapplication data can be accessed or received, for example, via acomputing device (e.g., computing device 104 a,104 b, multiplexer 116(FIG. 1)). In an aspect, the first portion of the application data canrelate to a first application configured to be executed via a userdevice. As an example, the first portion of the application datacomprises binary application data. In step 404, first content can beaccessed or received, for example, via a computing device (e.g.,computing device 104 a,104 b, multiplexer 116 (FIG. 1)). As an example,the first content can comprise video. As another example, the firstapplication contextually relates to the first content. As a furtherexample, a device such as multiplexer 116 (FIG. 1) can receive videocontent from a data source and can receive application data from thesame or a different data source and can combine the application datawith the video content into a single transport stream for delivery to arecipient device such as the user device 102 (FIG. 1), such as shown instep 406.

In step 406, a first transport stream can be generated (e.g.,multiplexed, encoded). Generation of the first transport stream can beaccomplished as a dynamic event wherein a portion of the transportstream are encoded and transmitted before other portions of thetransport stream are encoded. In an aspect, the first transport streamcan include the first portion of the application data and the firstcontent. As an example, the first transport stream can comprise amulti-program transport stream or a single program transport stream. Asanother example, the first transport stream can comprise a movingpictures experts group (MPEG) transport stream. As a further example,the first transport stream can be generated in response to receiving arequest for the first content. In step 408, the first transport streamcan be transmitted, for example to user device such as a source of arequest for the first content. Transmission and/or recipient of thefirst transport steam can comprise transmission and/or receipt of anyportion of the first transport stream.

In step 410, a second portion of the application data can be accessed orreceived, for example, via a computing device (e.g., computing device104 a,104 b, multiplexer 116 (FIG. 1)). In an aspect, the second portionof the application data can relate to the first application configuredto be executed via a user device. As an example, the second portion ofthe application data can be a portion of the first application that hasnot yet been downloaded to the recipient user device. As anotherexample, the second portion of the application data comprises binaryapplication data. In step 412, second content can be accessed orreceived, for example, via a computing device (e.g., computing device104 a,104 b, multiplexer 116 (FIG. 1)). As an example, the secondcontent can comprise video. As another example, the second applicationcontextually relates to the first content and/or the second content.

In step 414, a second transport stream can be generated (e.g.,multiplexed, encoded). In an aspect, the second transport stream caninclude the second portion of the application data and the secondcontent. As an example, the second transport stream can comprise amulti-program transport stream or a single program transport stream. Asanother example, the second transport stream can comprise a MPEGtransport stream. As a further example, the second transport stream canbe generated in response to receiving a request for the second content.In step 416, the second transport stream can be transmitted, for exampleto user device such as a source of a request for the second content.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example method. In step 502, a request for firstcontent can be received or accessed, for example, via a computing device(e.g., computing device 104 a,104 b (FIG. 1)). In step 504, a firsttransport stream can be generated (e.g., multiplexed, encoded). In anaspect, the first transport stream can include a first portion of theapplication data and the first content. As an example, the firsttransport stream can comprise a multi-program transport stream or asingle program transport stream. As another example, the first transportstream can comprise a moving pictures experts group (MPEG) transportstream. As a further example, the first transport stream can begenerated in response to receiving a request for the first content. Instep 506, the first transport stream can be transmitted, for example touser device such as a source of the request for the first content.

In step 508, an interruption in the transmission of the first transportstream can be detected, for example, via a computing device (e.g.,computing device 104 a,104 b (FIG. 1)). Detecting an interruption in thetransmission of the first transport stream can comprise receiving arequest for the second content, detecting a channel change, anddetecting a power mode change of the recipient device such as turning ofthe device, and the like.

When the transmission of he first transport stream is interrupted, theentire application data may not have been transmitted/downloaded. Forexample, a determination can be made (e.g., via user device 102 and/orcomputing device 104 a,104 b (FIG. 1.)) that only the first portion ofthe application data has been successfully downloaded. As such, adetermination can me made whether the second portion of the applicationdata should be transmitted. The logic determining the continueddownloading of application data can be based upon information relatingto network conditions, program/content topic, user profile, userdemographic, service level, advertiser, geographic location, availablebandwidth, or usage pattern/behavior. Partial application data downloadscan be saved for completion or removed from the end user device. Endusers can be prompted for input on whether to continue an interrupteddownload, whether to execute a completed download, whether to begin adownload, or whether to delete a partial or complete applicationdownload. Application download priority can be employed to determinewhich application should download if multiple application downloadoptions exist. Default parameters can be set that define whatapplication download rules applied to the end user device. As anexample, the application data can be multicast to an entire populationor unicast to a single end user; application data can be inserted intransport streams delivered to many users or a single user. Theapplication data insertion can continue as the user subsequently changesvideo content selections, requests, and/or tuning.

In step 512, a second transport stream can be generated (e.g.,multiplexed, encoded). In an aspect, the second transport stream caninclude the second portion of the application data and the secondcontent based on the determination of step 510. As an example, thesecond transport stream can comprise a multi-program transport stream ora single program transport stream. As another example, the secondtransport stream can comprise a MPEG transport stream. As a furtherexample, the second transport stream can be generated in response toreceiving a request for the second content. In step 514, the secondtransport stream can be transmitted, for example to user device such asa source of a request for the second content.

In step 516, the downloaded first application can be executed. As anexample, if the entire application data required to execute the firstapplication has been downloaded, the first application can be executed.If additional portions of the application data are required, theremaining portion can be downloaded and the first application can thenbe executed.

If it is determined that the remaining application data (e.g., thesecond portion of the application data) should not be downloaded, asecond transport stream can be generated (e.g., multiplexed, encoded) toinclude the second content and can exclude the second portion of theapplication data, at step 518, based on the determination of step 510.As an example, the second transport stream can comprise a multi-programtransport stream or a single program transport stream. As anotherexample, the second transport stream can comprise a MPEG transportstream. As a further example, the second transport stream can begenerated in response to receiving a request for the second content. Instep 520, the second transport stream can be transmitted, for example touser device such as a source of a request for the second content.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method. In step 602, a request for firstcontent can be transmitted, for example by a user device (e.g., userdevice 102 (FIG. 1)). In step 604, a first transport stream can bereceived, for example, by the user device. In an aspect, the firsttransport stream can include a first portion of the application data andthe first content. As an example, the first transport stream cancomprise a multi-program transport stream or a single program transportstream. As another example, the first transport stream can comprise amoving pictures experts group (MPEG) transport stream. As a furtherexample, the first transport stream can be generated in response toreceiving a request for the first content.

In step 606, a request for second content can be transmitted, forexample, by the user device. In step 608, a determination can me madewhether the second portion of the application data should betransmitted. Such a determination can be made locally to the user deviceor via a physical or logical element remote from the user device. Instep 610, a second transport stream can be received and can include thesecond portion of the application data and the second content based onthe determination of step 608. As an example, the second transportstream can comprise a multi-program transport stream or a single programtransport stream. As another example, the second transport, stream cancomprise a MPEG transport stream. As a further example, the secondtransport stream can be generated in response to receiving a request forthe second content. In step 612, the downloaded first application can beexecuted.

In step 614, a second transport stream can be received including thesecond content and excluding the second portion of the application databased on the determination of step 610. As an example, the secondtransport stream can comprise a multi-program transport stream or asingle program transport stream. As another example, the secondtransport stream can comprise a MPEG transport stream. As a furtherexample, the second transport stream can be generated in response toreceiving a request for the second content.

FIG. 7 depicts a general-purpose computer system that includes or isconfigured to access one or more computer-accessible media. In theillustrated embodiment, a computing device 700 may include one or moreprocessors 710 a, 710 b, and/or 710 n (which may be referred hereinsingularly as the processor 710 or in the plural as the processors 710)coupled to a system memory 720 via an input/output (I/O) interface 730.The computing device 700 may further include a network interface 740coupled to an I/O interface 730.

In various embodiments, the computing device 700 may be a uniprocessorsystem including one processor 710 or a multiprocessor system includingseveral processors 710 (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitablenumber). The processors 710 may be any suitable processors capable ofexecuting instructions. For example, in various embodiments, theprocessor(s) 710 may be general-purpose or embedded processorsimplementing any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs),such as the x86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISAs, or any other suitableISA. In multiprocessor systems, each of the processors 710 may commonly,but not necessarily, implement the same ISA.

In some embodiments, a graphics processing unit (“GPU”) 712 mayparticipate in providing graphics rendering and/or physics processingcapabilities. A GPU may, for example, comprise a highly parallelizedprocessor architecture specialized for graphical computations. In someembodiments, the processors 710 and the GPU 712 may be implemented asone or more of the same type of device.

The system memory 720 may be configured to store instructions and dataaccessible by the processor(s) 710. In various embodiments, the systemmemory 720 may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, suchas static random access memory (“SRAM”), synchronous dynamic RAM(“SDRAM”), nonvolatile/Flash®-type memory, or any other type of memory.In the illustrated embodiment, program instructions and dataimplementing one or more desired functions, such as those methods,techniques and data described above, are shown stored within the systemmemory 720 as code 725 and data 726.

In one embodiment, the I/O interface 730 may be configured to coordinateI/O traffic between the processor(s) 710, the system memory 720 and anyperipherals in the device, including an network interface 740 or otherperipheral interfaces. In some embodiments, the I/O interface 730 mayperform any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations toconvert data signals from one component (e.g., the system memory 720)into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., the processor710). In some embodiments, the I/O interface 730 may include support fordevices attached through various types of peripheral buses, such as avariant of the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus standard orthe Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, for example. In someembodiments, the function of the 110 interface 730 may be split into twoor more separate components, such as a north bridge and a south bridge,for example. Also, in some embodiments some or all of the functionalityof the I/O interface 730, such as an interface to the system memory 720,may be incorporated directly into the processor 710.

The network interface 740 my be configured to allow data to be exchangedbetween the computing device 700 and other device or devices 760attached to a network or networks 750, such as other computer systems ordevices, for example. In various embodiments, the network interface 740may support communication via any suitable wired or wireless generaldata networks, such as types of Ethernet networks, for example.Additionally, the network interface 740 may support communication viatelecommunications/telephony networks, such as analog voice networks ordigital fiber communications networks, via storage area networks, suchas Fibre Channel SANs (storage area networks), or via any other suitabletype of network and/or protocol.

In some embodiments, the system memory 720 may be one embodiment of acomputer-accessible medium configured to store program instructions anddata as described above for implementing embodiments of thecorresponding methods and apparatus. However, in other embodiments,program instructions and/or data may be received, sent, or stored upondifferent types of computer-accessible media. Generally speaking, acomputer-accessible medium may include non-transitory storage media ormemory media, such as magnetic or optical media, e.g., disk or DVD/CDcoupled to computing device the 700 via the I/O interface 730. Anon-transitory computer-accessible storage medium may also include anyvolatile or non-volatile media, such as RAM (e.g., SDRAM, DDR SDRAM,RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, etc., that may be included in some embodimentsof the computing device 700 as the system memory 720 or another type ofmemory. Further, a computer-accessible medium may include transmissionmedia or signals, such as electrical, electromagnetic or digitalsignals, conveyed via a communication medium, such as a network and/or awireless link, such as those that may be implemented via the networkinterface 740. Portions or all of multiple computing devices, such asthose illustrated in FIG. 7, may be used to implement the describedfunctionality in various embodiments; for example, software componentsrunning on a variety of different devices and servers may collaborate toprovide the functionality. In some embodiments, portions of thedescribed functionality may be implemented using storage devices,network devices or special-purpose computer systems, in addition to orinstead of being implemented using general-purpose computer systems. Theterm “computing device,” as used herein, refers to at least all thesetypes of devices and is not limited to these types of devices.

It should also be appreciated that the systems in the figures are merelyillustrative and that other implementations might be used. Additionally,it should be appreciated that the functionality disclosed herein mightbe implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software andhardware. Other implementations should be apparent to those skilled inthe art. It should also be appreciated that a server, gateway, or othercomputing node may include any combination of hardware or software thatmay interact and perform the described types of functionality, includingwithout limitation desktop or other computers, database servers, networkstorage devices and other network devices, PDAs, tablets, cellphones,wireless phones, pagers, electronic organizers, Internet appliances,television-based systems (e.g., using set top boxes and/orpersonal/digital video recorders), and various other consumer productsthat include appropriate communication capabilities. In addition, thefunctionality provided by the illustrated modules may in some aspects becombined in fewer modules or distributed in additional modules.Similarly, in some aspects the functionality of some of the illustratedmodules may not be provided and/or other additional functionality may beavailable.

Each of the operations, processes, methods, and algorithms described inthe preceding sections may be embodied in, and fully or partiallyautomated by, code modules executed by at least one computer or computerprocessors. The code modules may be stored on any type of non-transitorycomputer-readable medium or computer storage device, such as harddrives, solid state memory, optical disc, and/or the like. The processesand algorithms may be implemented partially or wholly inapplication-specific circuitry. The results of the disclosed processesand process steps may be stored, persistently or otherwise, in any typeof non-transitory computer storage such as, e.g., volatile ornon-volatile storage.

The various features and processes described above may be usedindependently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. Allpossible combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall withinthe scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method or processblocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processesdescribed herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, andthe blocks or states relating thereto may be performed in othersequences that are appropriate. For example, described blocks or statesmay be performed in an order other than that specifically disclosed, ormultiple blocks or states may be combined in a single block or state.The example blocks or states may be performed in serial, in parallel, orin some other manner. Blocks or states may be added to or removed fromthe disclosed example aspects. The example systems and componentsdescribed herein may be configured differently than described. Forexample, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged comparedto the disclosed example aspects.

It will also be appreciated that various items are illustrated as beingstored in memory or on storage while being used, and that these items orportions of thereof may be transferred between memory and other storagedevices for purposes of memory management and data integrity.Alternatively, in other aspects some or all of the software modulesand/or systems may execute in memory on another device and communicatewith the illustrated computing systems via inter-computer communication.Furthermore, in some aspects, some or all of the systems and/or modulesmay be implemented or provided in other ways, such as at least partiallyin firmware and/or hardware, including, but not limited to, at least oneapplication-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), standard integratedcircuits, controllers (e.g., by executing appropriate instructions, andincluding microcontrollers and/or embedded controllers),field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), complex programmable logicdevices (CPLDs), etc. Some or all of the modules, systems and datastructures may also be stored as software instructions or structureddata) on a computer-readable medium, such as a hard disk, a memory, anetwork, or a portable media article to be read by an appropriate driveor via an appropriate connection. The systems, modules, and datastructures may also be transmitted as generated data signals (e.g., aspart of a carrier wave or other analog or digital propagated signal) ona variety of computer-readable transmission media, includingwireless-based and wired/cable-based media, and may take a variety offorms (e.g., as part of a single or multiplexed analog signal, or asmultiple discrete digital packets or frames). Such computer programproducts may also take other forms in other aspects. Accordingly, thepresent disclosure may be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “may,” “could,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while otheraspects do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus,such conditional language is not generally intended to imply thatfeatures, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for at leastone aspects or that at least one aspects necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,”and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-endedfashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts,operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusivesense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example,to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all ofthe elements in the list. p While certain example aspects have beendescribed, these aspects have been presented by way of example only, andare not intended to limit the scope of aspects disclosed herein. Thus,nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that anyparticular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessaryor indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods andsystems described herein may be made without departing from the spiritof aspects disclosed herein. The accompanying claims and theirequivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as wouldfail within the scope and spirit of certain aspects disclosed herein.

The preceding detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of thedisclosure. The described aspects are not limited to use in conjunctionwith a particular type of machine. Hence, although the presentdisclosure, for convenience of explanation, depicts and describesparticular machine, it will be appreciated that the assembly andelectronic system in accordance with this disclosure may be implementedin various other configurations and may be used in other types ofmachines. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theorypresented in the preceding background or detailed description. It isalso understood that the illustrations may include exaggerateddimensions to better illustrate the referenced items shown, and are notconsider limiting unless expressly stated as such.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examplesof the disclosed system and technique. However, it is contemplated thatother implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from theforegoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereofare intended to reference the particular example being discussed at thatpoint and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope ofthe disclosure more generally. All language of distinction anddisparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate alack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from thescope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.

The disclosure may include communication channels that may be any typeof wired or wireless electronic communications network, such as, e.g., awired/wireless local area network (LAN), a wired/wireless personal areanetwork (PAN), a wired/wireless home area network (HAN), awired/wireless wide area network (WAN), a campus network, a metropolitannetwork, an enterprise private network, a virtual private network (VPN),an internetwork, a backbone network (BBN), a global area network (GAN),the Internet, an intranet, extranet, an overlay network, a cellulartelephone network, a Personal Communications Service (PCS), using knownprotocols such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM),CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE), W-CDMA(Wideband Code-Division Multiple Access), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi),Bluetooth, and/or the like, and/or a combination of two or more thereof.

Additionally, the various aspects of the disclosure may be implementedin a non-generic computer implementation. Moreover, the various aspectsof the disclosure set forth herein improve the functioning of the systemas is apparent from the disclosure hereof. Furthermore, the variousaspects of the disclosure involve computer hardware that it specificallyprogrammed to solve the complex problem addressed by the disclosure.Accordingly, the various aspects of the disclosure improve thefunctioning of the system overall in its specific implementation toperform the process set forth by the disclosure and as defined by theclaims.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as ashorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and eachseparate value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. All methods described herein may beperformed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context.

The methods and systems can employ artificial intelligence techniquessuch as machine learning and iterative learning. Examples of suchtechniques include, but are not limited to, expert systems, case basedreasoning, Bayesian networks, behavior based AI, neural networks, fuzzysystems, evolutionary computation (e.g. genetic algorithms), swarmintelligence (e.g. ant algorithms), and hybrid intelligent systems (e.g.expert inference rules generated through a neural network or productionrules from statistical learning).

While the methods and systems have been described in connection withpreferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that thescope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as theembodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrativerather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended thatan order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possiblenon-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic withrespect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaningderived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or typeof embodiments described in the specification.

It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended tobe limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” oneparticular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When sucha range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the oneparticular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, whenvalues are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms anotherembodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each ofthe ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, andindependently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where itdoes not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word“comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and“comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intendedto exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps.“Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey anindication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used ina restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and comprise the disclosed systems. These and other componentsare disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations,subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosedthat while specific reference of each various individual and collectivecombination and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed,each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methodsand systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including,but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are avariety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood thateach of these additional steps can be performed with any specificembodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

The present methods and systems may be understood more readily byreference to the following detailed description of preferred embodimentsand the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previousand following description.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the methods andsystems may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software andhardware aspects. Furthermore, the methods and systems may take the formof a computer program product on a computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software)embodied in the storage medium. More particularly, the present methodsand systems may take the form of web-implemented computer software. Anysuitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including harddisks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below withreference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It will beunderstood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may be loadedonto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions which execute on the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readableinstructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchartblock or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loadedonto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport combinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and programinstruction means for performing the specified functions. It will alsobe understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions orsteps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thescope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosedherein. It is intended that the specification and examples be consideredas exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims.

1. A method comprising: receiving, by one or more processors, a requestfor first content; generating, in response to the request for the firstcontent, a first transport stream comprising the first content andapplication data relating to associated with a first application;transmitting at least a portion of the first transport stream to arecipient device; detecting an interruption in the transmission of thefirst transport stream; determining that only a first portion of theapplication data has been transmitted to the recipient device;generating a second transport stream including second content and asecond portion of the application data, wherein the generating thesecond transport stream is based upon at least a determination of userinterest in the first application; and transmitting at least a portionof the second transport stream.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thefirst application contextually relates to one or more of the firstcontent and the second content.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thedetecting an interruption in the transmission of the first transportstream comprises one or more of receiving a request for the secondcontent, detecting a channel change, and detecting a power mode changeof the recipient device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein thegenerating the second transport stream is based upon at least adetermination of whether a user will subsequently request transmissionof the first transport stream.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thedetermination of user interest in the first application comprises atleast a determination of whether a user will subsequently interact withthe first application.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinthe determination of user interest in the first application is based ona usage pattern of applications.
 8. A method comprising: transmitting,by a user device, a request for first content; receiving, in response tothe request for the first content, at least a portion of a firsttransport stream including the first content and a first portion ofapplication data associated with a first application; transmitting, bythe user device, a request for second content; determining whether toreceive a second portion of the application data associated with thefirst application, wherein only a first portion of the application datahas been received by the user device, and wherein the determiningwhether to receive a second portion of the application data is based atleast on a determination of user interest in the first application;receiving, in response to the request for the second content, a secondtransport stream including the second content, wherein inclusion of thesecond portion of the application data in the second transport stream isdependent upon the determining whether to receive the second portion ofthe application data associated with the first application.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the first application contextually relates toone or more of the first content and the second content.
 10. The methodof claim 8, wherein the first portion of the application data and thesecond portion of the application data comprise binary data. 11.(canceled)
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the determining whether toreceive the second portion of the application data is based at least inpart on a determination of network conditions, a service level, alocation of the user device, a user demographic, or a combinationthereof.
 13. A method comprising: receiving, by one or more processors,a first portion of application data associated with a first application;receiving first content by the one or more processors; generating afirst transport stream including the first portion of the applicationdata and the first content; transmitting the first transport stream;receiving, by the one or more processors, a second portion of theapplication data associated with the first application; receiving secondcontent by the one or more processors; generating a second transportstream including the second portion of the application data and thesecond content, wherein the generating the second transport stream isbased upon at least a determination of user interest in the firstapplication; and transmitting the second transport stream.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the first application contextually relatesto one or more of the first content and the second content.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein one or more of the first content and thesecond content comprise video.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein oneor more of the first transport stream and the second transport streamcomprises a multi-program transport stream or a single program transportstream.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein one or more of the firsttransport stream and the second transport stream comprises a movingpictures experts group (MPEG) transport stream.
 18. The method of claim13, further comprising receiving a request for the first content,wherein the first transport stream is generated in response to therequest for the first content.
 19. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising receiving a request for the second content, wherein thesecond transport stream is generated in response to the request for thesecond content.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the generating thesecond transport stream including the second portion of the applicationdata and the second content is based at least in part on a determinationof network conditions, a service level, a location of the user device, auser demographic, or a combination thereof.
 21. The method of claim 1,wherein the wherein the determination of user interest in the firstapplication is based on a determination that the first content will besubsequently requested.
 22. The method of claim 1, wherein thedetermination of user interest in the first application is based on adetermination that subsequently requested content will be contextuallyrelated to the first content.